Library Update - December 2017

Library Update - December 2017

Posted on 12/20/2017

There’s a Lot Going On in Our School Library this Month! Read On to Find Out More!

Submitted By: Sarah Pennell, Morse School Librarian

Preschool - Kindergarten - It’s not all about dinosaurs and princesses in our library- students are discovering new favorite books! Kindergarten students also enjoyed a visit with Central Square Children’s Librarian, Amanda Gazin (B7- 12/8, B6 & D6- 12/11) and were treated to a gift bag and library cards for those families who indicated they would like one in their start of the school year paperwork.

First Grade - Students are learning about books that have won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, a medal awarded to beginning chapter books such as the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems, Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider, Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo, and Don’t Throw it to Mo! by David Adler. Read more about this award online- these titles make great gifts for beginning readers!

Second Grade - Miss Pennell’s favorite project of all is here! Second grade students are learning about the Caldecott medal and books that have won this special award from 1938-present. Did you know that there are special stamps at the post office for The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (winner of the 1963 Caldecott!). Hopefully our journals will be displayed in the display case in February- stay tuned! Ask a second grader what their favorite Caldecott book is!

Third Grade - The first half of this month third graders took part in Hour of Code activities. Every year this is a student favorite! The second half of the month students will discuss favorite books, authors, and series in the hopes of connecting with new favorite books!

Fourth Grade - The first half of this month third graders took part in Hour of Code activities. Every year this is a student favorite! The second half of the month students will discuss favorite books, authors, series, as well as finding out which Massachusetts Children's Book Award titles we have been loving most!

Fifth Grade - Media Literacy has begun in the 5th grade! For the next 12 weeks, Integrated Library and Technology time will be spent learning more about the media we engage with in our everyday lives. Students will work in teams to diagnose the tools and strategies used by advertisers to get and keep our attention and work through the design process to create their own media. Students will practice using production equipment as well as video editing software.

Did You Know?

The Cambridge Public Library will have a party for all kindergarteners (and their families) and their teachers at the Main Library (449 Broadway) on Monday, January 22nd from 5:30-6:30PM. Call 617.349.4038 for more information.

Did you know that students in in the 3rd-5th grades do not have library time like they do in preschool-2nd grade? Upper grade students take part in an ILT (Integrated Library & Technology) block each week co-taught by Ms. Lavalle and Miss Pennell.

4th & 5th grades take part in the MCBA (Massachusetts Children’s Book Award) reading program each year from September - March. This year Miss Pennell was able to serve on the selection committee. Ask a 4th or 5th grader about their favorite title or for more information.

Miss Pennell offers Chat & Chews (lunchtime reading discussion groups) on Mondays and Tuesdays each week during 4th and 5th grade lunch time. Mondays are designated as “Let’s Talk Books” and provide a time for students to talk about anything they are reading. Tuesdays are devoted to a specific book from the MCBA list and students can come to discuss that title if they have finished reading it.